- You nailed it about the rubber tape and patch kits—they’re just a band-aid, especially with all the freeze/thaw we get.
- I’ve seen folks get a few weeks out of those emergency sealants, but once the snow melts or you get ice dams, leaks usually come right back.
- Duct tape on shingles... yeah, that’s never worked for me either. Just peels off in the cold.
- If you’re seeing leaks around vent pipes or flashing, that’s usually a sign things are wearing out underneath.
- I get wanting to try tar or cement in a pinch, but it can make cleanup way harder when it’s time for real repairs.
- Honestly, you’re not alone—everyone wants a quick fix when water’s coming in mid-winter. But like you said, nothing beats waiting for good weather and doing it right. Hang in there, spring’s not too far off...
- Quick fixes are just that—quick. They buy you time, but don’t expect miracles.
- I’ve seen folks slap on that black roof cement in January and it’ll hold for a week or two, but once the sun hits, it cracks or just peels off.
- Those spray-on sealants? They’re like putting a raincoat on a leaky boat. Might slow things down, but you’re still getting wet eventually.
- Duct tape... I mean, unless you’re taping up a Halloween costume, it’s not doing much on a roof in February.
- If you’re desperate, a tarp and some bricks or 2x4s can help keep water out for a bit. Not pretty, but it works better than most “miracle” products.
- I get the urge to try anything when water’s dripping on your kitchen table at 2am. Just remember, the more stuff you slap on now, the more you’ll curse yourself when it’s time for a real fix.
- Honestly, if you can wait for dry weather, you’ll save yourself a headache. But yeah, sometimes you just gotta MacGyver it and hope for the best...
I’ve tried that black roof cement in the dead of winter—total mess once things thawed out. Anyone ever have luck with those peel-and-stick patches? I keep seeing them at the hardware store, but I’m skeptical. Tarp and bricks definitely saved my living room carpet last year, though.
Had the same problem with the black roof cement—looked okay at first, then spring rolled around and it just peeled right off. Those peel-and-stick patches actually worked better for me than expected, at least as a temporary fix. Slapped one over a shingle crack during a sleet storm last year, and it held up until I could do a proper repair in the summer. Only thing is, you really need to dry the area as much as possible or it won’t stick. Tarp and bricks is old faithful, though... used that trick after a branch punched a hole in my shed roof. Not pretty, but it kept the water out.
Had a similar experience with that black roof cement—seems like it never actually bonds well long-term, especially after a few freeze-thaw cycles. I’ve had better luck with the heavy-duty peel-and-stick patches too, but only if the surface is bone dry. Even then, I wouldn’t trust them past a season. Tarp and bricks is ugly, sure, but it’s saved my attic more than once when a nor’easter ripped off a few shingles. Temporary fixes are fine, but I always end up budgeting for a proper repair as soon as the weather lets me.
